Thursday, March 22, 2012

Construction Manager- Staff- Houston

Construction Manager- Staff- Houston


- $$ the right money for the
right person $$


Are you an experienced Construction / Installation
Manager looking for a new challenge for a market leading organisation?


Our clients are leading global engineering companies based
in USA and Malaysia; they are currently looking to hire an experienced
Construction Managers to join their well respected teams of
professionals.


The key skills required are:


-
BSc required MSc desired PhD preferred


-
Chartered status desired


-
Experience of construction/installation
management on major subsea projects


-
Installation/Pipelay/Pipeline Experience


-
Experience managing a team


-
Subsea installation management


-
International experience


-
Client facing ability


This company is offering an excellent salary with
challenging job situations, career development and satisfaction.


Construction Manager / Installation Manager–World wide, $
Market rate (perm) $


To apply for this exciting position apply for jobs at 020
7078 0552.


Or email jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com


The key skills required are:


-
BSc required MSc desired PhD preferred


-
Chartered status desired


-
Experience of construction/installation
management on major subsea projects


-
Installation/Pipelay/Pipeline Experience


-
Experience managing a team


-
International experience


-
Client facing ability


View the original article here

Senior Subsea Controls Engineer–Houston – STAFF

Senior Subsea Controls
Engineer–Houston – STAFF


Are you a Subsea Controls
Engineer looking for a new challenge for a market leading organisation?


Our client is a leading organisation
based in Houston; they are currently
looking to hire experienced Subsea Controls
Engineers to join their well respected team of professionals.


Sr. Subsea Controls Engineer:


•Research available subsea
Controls options as well as stay abreast of current design qualification
efforts in the industry in order to implement them into the field architecture.


•Generate cost effective field
architecture design input, interfacing with Hardware, Pipeline, Flow Assurance,
Riser Analysis, Marine, Topside facilities, umbilicals, Distribution etc. as
applicable.


•Manage project progress,
budget, monitor change orders and attend regular project meetings.


•Provide technical
guidance/coaching to subsea designers and less experience engineers


•Develop innovative subsea
Controls solutions (interfacing umbilicals, Distribution, PLETs, manifolds and
jumpers), inventions, patents, technologies and present these in white papers
at industry trade shows.


•Prepare and check design basis,
functional specifications, project execution plan and approve project
documentation.


•Check specifications,
datasheets, reports, technical notes, procedures, Instructions and Notes to
Bidders, RFQ and procurement packages for PO award and material requisitions,
and bid evaluations.


•Stay updated on ISO 9001
procedures.


•Provide offshore support as
required for the project.


Qualifications


•5-10 years of professional
engineering experience in Topsides and Subsea Controls


•Minimum BEng degree in
Engineering


•Familiar with field development
scenarios, umbilicals, Distribution and subsea Controls (D/H, E/H, MUX) design
and installation scenarios both in shallow and deep water. Primarily in the
GOM.


•Knowledgeable of subsea design
codes (API, SAE, ICE, NORSOK, ISO).


•Able to demonstrate creativity,
foresight, and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving
engineering problem efficiently and economically.


This company is offering an excellent salary/ rate with
challenging job situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has
the potential to lead to seniority or further projects within the company,
focussing your specialised knowledge of subsea design
to ensure a fulfilling career.


Senior Subsea Controls
Engineer- Houston - STAFF


To apply for this exciting position apply for jobs at 020
7078 0552.


Or email jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com


View the original article here

Lead Civil / Structural Engineer

Lead Civil / Structural Engineer required for an onshore oil and gas project based in Manchester.

The Lead Civil/Structural Engineer will report to the Project Engineering Manager and will be responsible for managing the delivery of the Civil/Structural discipline to meet the project requirements.


Responsibilities will include:


- ensure that the Technical Safety and Quality (technical assurance) requirements of the project are achieved by the discipline.


- managing the discipline engineers and designers to meet project schedule and discipline budget.


- the development of the discipline execution plan.


- leading and coordination the discipline team to ensure effective and efficient daily working, anticipating issues and providing mitigation measures.


- ensure progress of the discipline is regularly recorded / reported and the forecasts of task completion and overall discipline out turn are communicated to the project controls team.


- developing, in conjunction with the Project Controls team, the discipline programme.


- the coordination of the interfaces between the Electrical discipline and other disciplines on the project.


- managing change within their discipline and for ensuring impacts of change are quantified and communicated.


- Manage the data collection and site investigation work for their discipline to allow design basis to be define and tie-in points to be fully specified.


- Provide formal weekly / monthly reporting for their discipline, including input into the monthly client report.


This is a 12 month contract position based in Manchester.


To apply for this position, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.Matchtech Group Plc is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.


View the original article here

Drilling Supervisor

Fantastic opportunity to join a thriving Oil & Gas Operator as a Drilling Supervisor working from a CENTRAL ASIA location.

The position is rotational (5 weeks on / 5 weeks off)


The company is posting great results and there is a strong, international and multi-cultural team in place.


SCOPE:


Supervises the onsite drilling activities to ensure that all operations are performed safely and efficiently and additionally, in the role of O.I.M., coordinates all simultaneous operations on the offshore installation.


EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:


The incumbent should be educated to a reasonable academic level and have twenty years experience in offshore and onshore drilling operations, five of which should be at supervisory level with an oil operating company. Hands on experience are preferred in assistant driller, driller and tool pusher roles.


He will be highly numerate and possess good oral and written communication skills, be computer literate and be capable of learning Company approved spreadsheet and word processing programmes.


He must possess an internationally approved Well Control Certificate and have undertaken offshore survival and fire fighting courses. He will also possess a current offshore medical certificate.


View the original article here

Flow Assurance Engineer/Malaysia (KL)/staff/£ competitive

Flow Assurance Engineer/Malaysia (KL)/staff/
£ Competitive

Our client is a leading global Operator based in Malaysia;
they are currently seeking to hire an experienced flow assurance engineer
Join their respected team of professionals.

The main skills are required:

-
Bachelors degree in chemical or process
Engineering

-
+ 5 years relevant flow assurance experience

-
Good working knowledge of relevant soft ware-
IE. OLGA, PIPESIM HYSYS, etc

-
Malaysian nationals preference

This company is offering an excellent salary/voice with
challenging work situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has
the potential lead to seniority or further projects within the company,
your specialized knowledge and experience to ensure a fulfillment of focussing
career.

Flow Assurance Engineer/Malaysia (KL)/staff/
£ Competitive


View the original article here

3 Killer Tips for Finding Offshore Drilling Jobs that Pay $60,000

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Oil Rig JobI have spent most of my adult life working at the oil rig. Sometimes I had to work hard under the harsh weather conditions, but I always found job exciting and it has always brought me pleasure and satisfaction. Also I always realized that in this industry I could earn higher salary than I could elsewhere.

Today when I look back, I can say that working for the oil rig was the smartest thing I did in my life.

Nowadays I am retired and I spend my evenings with my grandchildren: Jeeny, Bobby and Maggie. I have plenty of free time and that is why I decided to create this blog and share my experience with the people, who try to find oil rig job and enjoy the benefits it gives.

There are 3 things that you should take into consideration to increase chances of getting an oil rig job:

1. Update your CV in a way that suits offshore employers – offshore employers look for some specific information in your CV. So you need to update your CV in a way to suit their needs. This is important because a typical employer throws away your CV as he /she sees that an applicant mentions that he/she can plays chess very well. This is not what they are interested in.

Here you need a professional help. To update your CV in the best possible way I recommend you to use this CV Building Service. The good thing about this is that the service is free, but you need to register (check the link at the end of the page to register for free);

2. Get training courses and have appropriate certificate – although completing trainings is not obligatory, they greatly increase your chances of getting employed. So I advise you to apply for one this courses and complete it. This can be a real advantage on your way of finding an oil rig job.

Such training is organized by Maritime Drilling Schools (they have training programs in drilling & safety), Enform (training company that is for 50 years in business and its graduates have high chances of getting employed) and PetroSkills ( formed by consortium of oil companies).

3. Collect e-mail addresses of offshore employers and send them your CV – this is the hardest part, but also the most important. Oil rig job usually are not announced on vacancy websites as other vacancies are. So you need to find e-mails of those offshore rigs that often have vacancies for oil rig job yourself and send them your CV.

The problem with such approach is that it may take days and maybe even weeks in the Internet to get e-mail addresses. So I advise you to use services of this site. This site helps you to prepare your CV and send it to over 1,200 oil rigs that often have oil rig job openings. The service is very convenient: you send your CV to all 1,200 employers by one click and the employers do not notice that.

The bad thing about this service is that it is not free and you have to pay for it. But believe me that it is worth it. You pay for it once and you can use it for the rest of your life.

Besides a good thing about this service is that it is quite cheap. If you calculate the price that you pay for getting a contact of one employer, it is just 7 cents. Now imagine how much time you would have to spend, if you tried to collect 1,200 e-mail addresses yourself. Sounds good?

If you like the idea, you can register here


View the original article here

Area Sales Manager - Instrumentation

Area Sales Manager - Instrumentation
West Midlands & South Wales


Profile for job 8169 2A AB - Instrumentation Area Sales Manager


ATA Recruitment in Leicester is recruiting for a key client within the Instrumentation sector, boasting a global turnover in excess of €500 million who is looking to recruit an Instrumentation Area Sales Manager


This vacancy is open to Sales Engineers with a proven track record in selling Instrumentation (ideally Pressure or Temperature). You must posses the hunger, drive and motivation to fulfil a New Business Sales role


Over the past 9 years my client has increase their turnover by £12 million via organic sales, acquisitions and strategic focuses on products and markets. As part of their plans to expand the business further, they now have an exciting opportunity to recruit a Tenacious Area Sales Manager to sell their complete rage of Instrumentation.


THE ROLE


1. 4 days on the road and 1 day working from home
2. 25% account management and 75% new business
3. You will inherit £900,000 worth of business to manage and grow however, the key focus will be to generate new sales across certain key products
4. Leads will either be self generated as well as utilising the current database of customers, and internal leads will be passed directly to the Instrumentation Area Sales Manager
5. You will be targeting key OEM's and End Users within the Process, Engineering, Manufacturing, Hydraulics and Capital Equipment sectors as well as any other sectors you see fit


THE CANDIDATE


1. A proven track record in selling Instrumentation (ideally pressure or temperature)
2. You will need to be based on patch with hunter instincts and the skills required to fulfill a new business orientated role
3. The ideal candidate will posses a minimum HND in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering although, a proven track record in sales will far outweigh any qualification


SALARY


£30,000-£40,000 (based on experience) + OTE up to £46,000 + Car + Phone + Laptop + Pension + Health + 20 days holiday & stat


THE BENEFITS
You will be working for one of the worlds leading manufacturers of Instrumentation with the added security of working for a well established, secure and cash rich organisation.


You will be fully expected to be in this role for at least 2 or 3 years before your role can progress either into management, product or a market specialist.


My client will invest very heavily in training and development and they believe this is the key success to them having a low staff turnover and loyal employees.


How to Apply
For further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at ATA Recruitment in Leicester on 0116 216 7002 or alternatively, please email me an up to date copy of your CV to ajay.bhella@ata-recruitment.co.uk


For all of ATA's Technical Sales vacancies, join our interactive job board on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=3832607


View the original article here

Principle/Senior Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive

 

Principle/Senior Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive rate


Principle/Senior Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive rate


-At least 5 years experience offshore experience/Lead safety team/Extensive knowledge of the industry/technical
degree qualification


Our client, market leaders in maintenance, construction and installation services to over 10 industries. Are looking for experienced environmental and process safety consultants to be based in either the North East/North West and South East offices


This company is offering an excellent opportunity with challenging job situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has the potential to lead to growth within the company, focussing your specialised knowledge to ensure a fulfilling career.


Principle/Senior Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive rate


To apply for this exciting position apply for jobs at +44207
0780560. Or send your CV to jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com


-At least 5 years
experience offshore experience/Lead safety team/Extensive knowledge of the
industry/technical degree qualification


View the original article here

Senior structural design engineer-UK

Senior structural design engineer-UK

Are you an experienced structural Design Engineer
and looking for a position in the United Kingdom?

The holder will have experience with the preparation of structural design basis,
reports, structural design specs, construction and installation work
procedures.

Desirable experience includes the detailed design of templates, grillage, sea confirmations,
Elevator rigging and lifting points. Engineering degree qualification. Use of Sacs,
GT-STUDL or similar '

Senior structural design engineer-UK

To apply for this exciting position applying for
7119 0566 004420. Or email jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com


View the original article here

WIRE ROPE PRODUCT LINE MANAGER

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Overall responsibility for operations and market share growth of segment wide operations for the distribution of Wire Rope products as well as the safety and wellbeing of the employees. Full P&L / Balance Sheet accountability for Distributions Wire Rope Operations within said segmentReports to the Sales and Operations VP with responsibility to the ME & India Sales Director.

Job Requirements:


Financial:

Responsible for creating and accountable for delivering financially responsible monthly, quarterly and annual financial plans (revenue, margin, expense, and operating profit as well as inventory and receivables). Improve DSO’s and AR’s while exceeding the Wire Rope Product plan each period.Coach, manage and hold the Wire Rope Product DSC Managers and staff accountable for the financial performance of their individual DSC locations and individual plans.Responsible for expense management and ensuring expenses stay in line with revenue and operating profit while achieving the highest available Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) for the company.Inventory - Negotiate the relevant market inventory directly with the company’s manufacturing partners.Inventory – Ensure DSC Managers meet goals for turns, fill rate and return on inventory.Inventory Accuracy – Ensure that cycle counts and physical inventory counts are performed as required, and inventory is maintained accurately and in good condition.

Sales and Sales Support:

Liaise with and support Sales Team to develop and initiate a strategy to increase the WireRope products market share, new markets, and new solutions to internal and external, existing and non-existing customers.Improve customer relationships with an emphasis and focus on customer service excellence, and exceeding our customers’ expectations in all situations.Regular customer visits with Sales Team to promote the company Wire Rope capabilities

Operations:

Responsibility to comply with Health, Safety and Environmental goals of the company and customers.Support local and segment operations in all areas of process compliance – SAP, SOX, FCPA, Vehicle Safety, and Operations etc.Motivate and coach subordinates to achieve the highest level of productivity.Teambuilding and employee development, including succession planning.

Skill Sets Required:

Relevant business experience (wire rope products distribution & manufacturing; oil and gas production).Self-starter with the ability to expand the existing footprint as well as build a business from the ground up.Market / product knowledge in the oil and gas industry specific to wire rope products.Management experience in a distribution environment (wire rope distribution preferred)Written and oral communication skills, both internal and external.Financial acumen, marketing and negotiating skills (P/L experience preferred).Computer skills (Microsoft Office – Excel and Word and SAP)Analytical skills, objectivity and organizational skills.Effective interviewing, hiring and staffing skillsGoal-oriented with the ability to multi-task under pressure in fast-paced work environment.Possess integrity and a dedication to results.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Sales, Margins, Expenses, and Operating ProfitGrowth in market share and customer baseStaff development

Behavioral Competencies


The ideal candidate will demonstrate above average skill in the following competencies:

Time ManagementBusiness AcumenDeveloping Direct Reports and OthersCustomer Focus Integrity and TrustDelegationMotivating OthersManagerial CourageProcess ManagementNegotiatingWritten CommunicationsDrive for Result

View the original article here

Principal C&I Engineer

Principal Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineer required for an onshore oil and gas project based in Manchester.

Candidates will ideally have the following:


- Degree plus MIET preferred.
- oil/gas related experience.
- experience of control systems, safety systems, fire & Gas system, field instruments.
- experience of leading/assisting with delivery of major tender and project activities.


This is a 12 month contract based in Manchester.


To apply for this position, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.Matchtech Group Plc is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.


View the original article here

Process controls and process engineers/Netherlands/staff/£ competitive

Handle and process engineers/controls/Netherlands
Staff/£ competitive

Process controls and process engineers/Netherlands/staff
/£ Competitive

Our client is a leading global EPC based in Netherlands
; they are currently looking to hire experienced process engineers and process
controls engineers to join their respected team of professionals.

The main skills are required:

-
Bachelor's degree in chemical process
Engineering

-
+ 10 years experience

-
Gas processing experience is essential

-
Good working knowledge of relevant software
IE. PIPESIM HYSYS, etc

For process controls

-
In addition to the above, at least 2 years
process controls experience.

-
Experience in writing stories and
specifications

This company is offering an excellent salary/voice with
challenging work situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has
the potential lead to seniority or further projects within the company,
your specialized knowledge and experience to ensure a fulfillment of focussing
career.

Handle and process engineers/controls/Netherlands
Staff/£ competitive


View the original article here

Installation/Project Engineer

Installation/Project
Engineer/Senior Project Engineer-pipeline installation – visa available

Competitive package

Are you a Project Engineer on search
for a new challenge for a leading organisation?

Our client is a leading organization in the United Kingdom; they
are currently looking to hire experienced project
engineers to join their respected team of professionals.

The main skills are required:

-
BSc MSC PhD desired preference requires that

-
Chartered status is desired

-
Experience of offshore pipeline installation
projects

-
Pipelay analysis experience

-
International experience

-
Client facing capacity

This company offers an excellent salaries and offshore
allowances with challenging work situations, career development and
satisfaction. The role has the potential to lead to seniority or further
projects within the company, focussing your specialized knowledge of pipeline
installation project delivery to ensure a fulfilling career.

Installation/Project
Engineer/Senior Project Engineer-pipeline installation – visa available

To apply for this exciting position apply on 020
7119 0552.

Or email jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com

The main skills are required:

-
BSc MSC PhD desired preference requires that

-
Chartered status is desired

-
Experience of offshore pipeline installation
projects

-
Pipelay analysis experience

-
International experience

-
Client facing capacity


View the original article here

HSE/Risk Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive rate

 

HSE/Risk Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive rate


HSE/Risk Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive
rate


-At least 10 years
experience offshore experience/Extensive knowledge of the industry/technical
degree qualification/preferably experience in Canada


Our client, market leaders in maintenance, construction and
installation services to over 10 industries. Are looking for experienced
environmental and process safety consultants to be based in either the North
East/North West and South East offices


This company is offering an excellent opportunity with
challenging job situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has
the potential to lead to growth within the company, focussing your specialised
knowledge to ensure a fulfilling career.


HSE/Risk Technical Safety Engineer, Houston, USA £attractive
rate


To apply for this exciting position apply for jobs at +44207
0780560. Or send your CV to jobs@lakingaranmoorhouse.com


-At least 10 years
experience offshore experience/ Extensive knowledge of the industry/technical
degree qualification/preferably experience in Canada


View the original article here

Oil Rig Job Entry Requirements, Entry-Level Jobs

Oil Rig Job Offshore workers on thier duty


The requirements that employers set to oil rig job applicants has more to do with the personality and character of a person, than his/her expertise, training, or experience he/she has. Oil rigs are continually looking for new hires as in this sector demand for labor force significantly exceeds the supply due to high salaries offered by this sector. In addition, offshore industry is characterized by high labor turnover that further increases the number of vacancies announced every month.


There is a common misunderstanding about oil rig job. Many people think that they are only about drilling and oil extraction, however oil rigs also require additional personnel: cooks, crane operators, mechanical and electrical technicians, doctors, engineers, etc.


There are several requirements that oil rig job applicants must satisfy:


Health Requirements – the main requirement is that applicant must be in a good health and physical condition. During hiring process you will be asked to provide appropriate confirmation that you are eligible applicant. Employers usually request full physical examination and X-ray before a hiring decision is made. Sometimes applicants are required to pass even drug test.


Age Requirements – the only requirement is that oil rig job applicants must be at least 18 years old. On average offshore staff is 27 years old.


Experience Requirements – experience is considered as an asset at any job in any sector of the economy. The same applies for offshore sector. The more experience you have, the better. But if you do not have any, you still have a chance to get in, since there are numerous entry-level oil rig job available. However you should know that the work is quite hard and you will have to work hard. If you work hard and honestly, you have good prospects to make quick advancements in your career.


Education Requirements – usually for entry-level jobs there are no educational requirements. Most employers are more concerned with your motivations and ability to learn things quickly. However there are jobs that require minimal education background, such as controller, engineer and etc. They require minimum of high school education. The logic here is the same than anywhere else: more elaborated your job is – more education you need to get hired and fulfill your duties successfully. Offshore employers frequently run training programs for their employees to develop their knowledge and expertise.


Dependability – what is for sure is that you become dependable. You need to be at the workplace in time. You may an expert, but you are not there in time that is the “best” way to get fired. So you need to be attentive and be aware of your timetable.


Ambition – oil rig job is interesting, exciting and adventurous. If you work hard and fulfill your duties accurately and in time, you have a good opportunity to develop successful offshore career.

Tagged as: Entry Requirements, Entry-Level Jobs, Oil Rig Job


View the original article here

Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Location: Grimsby


Our client is a leading chemical manufacturer. They have an opportunity for an Engineering Manager to join the business based near to Grimsby. The role of Engineering Manager is to provide a complete engineering service (Asset Management and Projects) to our client operations. You will be advising and supporting engineering on other group sites as directed and to deputise the Site Manager as directed. The appointed Engineering Manager will be directly supervising all engineering staff.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:.


1.1 To maintain the site to high operating standards at the lowest cost


1.2 Ensures asset integrity and fit for purpose


1.3 To provide capital project asset management.


1.4 To advise on utility purchasing and manage all service contracts.


1.5 To liaise with local authorities as necessary to carry out function.


1.6 To prepare and carry out plans to keep up with changing legislation.


1.7 To manage and motivate staff.


1.8 To co-ordinate and communicate Engineering activities with other site operations.


1.9 To propose and carry out, if agreed, plans to improve standard and operation


of engineering service.


1.10 Contribute to site performance as a key member of the site leadership team.


1.11 To advise on Engineering matters on other sites as directed.


1.12 To take overall responsibility for energy management and optimisation work.


2. SHE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES.


2.1 Initiate and agree department safety procedures in line with Company policy.


2.2 Administer and enforce Company Health & Safety and procedures within area


of responsibility.


2.3 Ensure action is taken to eliminate hazardous conditions.


2.4 Ensure good housekeeping standards are established and maintained.


2.5 Follow up incidents and accidents (AIMs) within area of responsibility and carry out remedial action.


2.6 Establish and monitor safety training programme for staff.


2.7 Audit permit to work systems and plant modification system.


2.8 Carry out or have carried out risk assessments on existing and new operations or construction activities


2.9 Establish and monitor risk assessment programme for department.


2.10 Initiate, carry out and maintain records of safety briefings.


2.11 Ensure drafting, issue and revision of relevant SOPs.


2.12 Attend site safety committee meetings.


2.13 Inspect areas of responsibility and correct deficiencies observed.


2.14 Establish and monitor training programme for staff.


2.15 Ensures assets are maintained compliant with UK legislation and immediately raises any non compliance with site manager and on AIMs system


2.16 Ensure a special work statement is prepared in advance of any non-standard operation.


2.17 Ensure provision of suitable and sufficient PPE.


2.18 Ensure safe storage of hazardous materials and equipment.


2.19 Contribute to company engineering and safety standards.


2.20 Maintain engineering practice in line with Company Health & Safety engineering standards.


2.21 Ensure correct management of contractors.


2.22 Ensure project and plant design is in line with current law and company standards and regulations in force.


2.23 Ensure activities in area of responsibility follow best practicable environmental criteria.


2.24 Ensures the effective maintenance of safety and environmentally critical equipment.


2.25 Ensures all non like-for-like changes are approved via the MOC system


The appointed Engineering Manager will have total authority for control of revenue and Capital expenditure within agreed budget. Responsible for advising on selection, identifying training and development needs, appraisals, motivation and career development and disciplinary matters of engineering staff.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.


A relevant engineering degree or equivalent plus minimum 5 years relevant operational experience. Proven track record in asset management in the process industry. Major hazard site (COMAH) experience an advantage.


Chartered Engineer Status preferred.


Salary to £60,000 per annum + benefits which include:
* Bonus Scheme - based on the Company's profitability in the year, payable the following March, but is not guaranteed.
* Pension scheme - this is calculated on pensionable salary (basic annual salary less lower earnings limit) - if employee contributes 3%, company contributes 5%; if employee contributes 4%, company contributes 7%. We also offer a salary sacrifice option, and the company will enhance their contributions to 5.4% and 7.5% if this option is taken.
* PMI - our current provider is BUPA, and we offer individual, couple or family membership. The company will pay two thirds of the cost, with the employee paying the remaining third through monthly payroll. Currently this is £25.76 per month (for family membership). This is a taxable benefit and would be declared on the P11d at Year End.
* 25 days holiday plus statutory
* subsidised canteen
* onsite free parking
* SHE bonus (not guaranteed) - up to £171 per year


If you would like to be considered please apply as instructed.With over 40 years of specialist experience, Advantage Technical Resourcing is the recruiter of choice for IT, Engineering and Energy professionals across EMEA. Working with some of the leading employers around the world Advantage offers global contract and permanent career opportunities across a wide range of industries and sectors. Please visit our website www.advantagetr.co.uk to find out more about us.


Advantage Technical Resourcing. Services offered are those of an employment agency for permanent work and/or employment business for the supply of contract/temp work.


View the original article here

Cost Engineer

Required to support the Project Controls Manager on an onshore oil and gas project.

Candidates should have a track record of successful cost control for multi-disciplined Projects. The candidate will need to be a self starter, capable of working at all levels within the business and be pro-active in their approach to cost control. They need to be a strong communicator, with good planning and project control skills. Experience of Oil and Gas project delivery would be beneficial.


Reporting to the Project Controls Manager the candidate will be responsible for the Cost Control and reporting for the project. This will include the compilation of formal monthly internal / external management reports for the project.


This is a 12 month contract position based in Manchester.


To apply for this position, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.Matchtech Group Plc is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.


View the original article here

Electrical Design Engineer

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Electrical Design Engineer
Stafford
£ Negotiable

The Company:

Our client is a global leader in the world of power generation and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. They provide turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind.

Whether it's replacing a key component plant in record time, modernising a plant with cutting-edge innovation, or reducing carbon emissions by improving efficiency, the Thermal Services business consistently delivers competitive solutions to its customers around the world through unparallelled human and technological resources.
The Role:

As an Electrical Design Engineer you will support contracts by ensuring technical requirements are with.

Main duties include:

* Reviewing customers ' enquiry specifications and providing technical descriptions, details and man hour estimates to support tendering activities
* Undertaking engineering design studies and calculations
* Approving design changes and variations
* Issuing technical instructions and providing engineering support to workshops
* Technical review or contract specifications and meeting with customers
* Problem assessment and solution route analysis; progressing design modifications
* Appraisal of and modification to internal specifications and standards
* Engineering approval or drawing office documentation to ensure the creation of accurate manufacturing drawings
* Reviewing contract performance and providing forecast commitment in line with project plan

You:

You'll ideally be qualified to HND level (or equivalent) in electrical engineering with electrical engineering design experience. You'll ideally have knowledge of large generator design; be technically competent and computer literate. Membership of a professional institute would be a distinct advantage.

=== === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === === Intec (UK) Ltd was established in 1982 by Engineers for Engineers. We deliver Global Recruitment Solutions within the Oil, Gas, Nuclear, Utilities, & Power Rail, Construction and Aerospace Sectors for Owner/operators, Consultancies, Contractors and Sub-Contractors. Intec (UK) Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). =====================================================================================================


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Controls, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer

My client has an immediate need for a Controls, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer to join a busy team of 10.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Controls, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer to join one of the world's leading operators within the Oil & Gas sector.


Based in Hull, it will be your role to provide design assurance and cost estimate for new build equipment and maintenance support to existing laboratory to pilot plant scale equipment. The area of the business that you would be joining work on a portfolio of technologies which convert low cost hydrocarbons to power, fuels and other products.


The role will also involve providing discipline input to team for new build equipment from design, costing, installation and commissioning, also managing discipline maintenance and inspection activities to maximise availability of equipment. Also ensuring that equipment complies with relevant standards and manage maintenance activities from planning to execution.


Chosen candidates will be Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineer and professional membership / Chartership of a relevant engineering body is preferred. You should have demonstrable experience of DCS software based control systems and working in a multidisciplinary team within a research, operations, production or design environment. You will need to be a natural team player with excellent communication skills. Strong IT skills are a must. Experience of control systems such as DeltaV or Labview would be an advantage but not essential as training will be given. Any knowledge of project planning would be beneficial.Matchtech Group Plc is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.


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Operations Manager - Spares & Services

Our Client requires an Operations Manager - Spares & Services. This is a permanent position based in Bristol would be over seeing a team of about 20 people split over 2 locations. Car allowance is included in the package.

Job Description
The Operations Manager - Spares & Services is responsible for the management of the operational delivery (cost, schedule & quality) of the spares & services business and the support of the Business Management team, in order to achieve customer satisfaction and the deliver the Key Account's growth, financial and operating targets.


Ideal Qualifications & Requirements
* Strong Leadership behaviours
* Operations back ground in a production / product delivery environment (ideally with Lean, visual management, 6 sigma experience)
* Proven record of driving change, improving productivity, efficiency and service performance levels
* Skilled in developing / delivering Integrated Logistics Support type contracts


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Principal Regulatory Consultant

Principal Regulatory Consultant


Salary: £55k-£60k


Location: South East

Principal Regulatory ConsultantTo become a senior member in a team of energy economists, regulatory experts, energy markets and power system analysts who provide advisory services to a range of clients from international financial institutions, investment banks, government, regulatory and international agencies, project sponsors & developers, utilities and major energy users. The projects are typically short to medium term assignments i.e. 3 weeks to 18 months. There is likelihood to be a requirement for short term international travel.The existing portfolio of work includes cost benefit analysis of energy projects (generally power/occasionally gas) in the developing world; reviews on market and regulatory risk analysis; the establishment of regulatory frameworks and market rules; power and related (fuel, green credit) market analysis, energy transactions and assets acquisition support in reference to market and regulatory risk; technical assistance and capacity building of regulatory agencies in the developing world; pricing and tariff methodologies.The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to business development activities and assist in driving the business forward winning new projects by leveraging existing networks of industry contacts or developing new ones to support the business plan of the Energy Markets & Regulatory Practice.Of particular interest is the capability of developing the business into the area of network regulation (supporting utilities or regulatory agencies during price reviews) with emphasis in the UK market and the expected developments under the RIIO implementationDegree qualified in Engineering, Economics or related discipline.

Experience in any of:

Electricity or Gas Utilities price reviews, tariff formulation, and regulatory price control.Experience within the UK regulated utilities sector and in particular understanding of the new proposed RIIO model for network regulation.Experience in the regulation of Energy Networks (transmission and/or distribution), regulatory approval of CAPEX and planning process, benchmarking studies, Data Envelopment Analysis, Quality of Service Regulation

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SUBSEA * pipelay analysis – London, UK, £ +++ competitive salary/£ voice

SUBSEA * pipelay analysis – London, UK, £ +++ competitive salary/£ voice

Are you a pipelay analysis engineer looking for a new
challenge? Do you have the drive to work for a nascent corporation?

Our client is a leading oil and gas company based in the United Kingdom;
they are currently seeking a Senior hire
Pipelay engineer along with their respected
professionals.

The main skills are required:

Experience of pipelay on
phaseStress installation AnalysisexperienceSoftwares:
RoughPipePreparation of installation engineering calculations and procedure OrcaFlex/documentsBSc6 + years experience inthe oil and Gas industryContract and staff

This company offers an excellent salary with
challenging work situations, career development and satisfaction. The role has
the potential lead to seniority in the company, focussing your
specialised knowledge of subsea engineering and technical experience to ensure
fulfilment of a career, within a company who their employees first.

SUBSEA ** pipelay analysis – London, UK, £ +++ competitive salary/£ voice

To apply for this exciting position applying for 004420
7119 0568. Or email Subsea@lakingaranmoorhouse.com

The main skills are required:

Experience of pipelay on
installation phaseStress analysis
Software experience:
OrcaFlex/RoughPipe preparation of
installation engineering calculations and procedure documentsBSc6 + years experience in
the oil and Gas industry Contract or staff

SUBSEA ** pipelay analysis – London, UK, £ +++ competitive salary/£ voice


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Oil Rig Job Database, Offshore Oil Jobs

Oil Rig JobsWhen you look for oil rig job you must know about…


Offshore Drilling


Oil rig job are available at offshore drilling industry that includes the discovery of oil or gas sources through drilling a well. The purpose of this drilling process is the future extraction of oil.


There are several categories of platforms for offshore drilling. For example, floating semi-submersibles or drill-ships are marine vessels are used for drilling activities in extremely deep waters. This is where oil rig job are present.


For example, shallow-water steel jackets and jackup barges are also used for drilling activities if the water depth is not very big.


Main Offshore Oilfields


Nowadays, the most important offshore oilfields are those in the North Sea, in Latin America are those in the Gulf of Mexico, the coasts of Brazil, in Africa are those in Angola and Nigeria and there are also in Russia in Sakhalin. There much more oilfields but these are the biggest.


Work


Oil rig job in the oil or gas industry require first of all that you are way from your home for a long time, of course depending on your contract, but usually it involves several weeks or months. Moreover, your health status should be very good as an offshore job within oil or gas field requires good medical condition. Don’t forget that you will be working on a platform where medical care is not available at first hand. So, before you decide to get involved in such an activity think of taking a special medical examination to know if there are any health risks. This job will require great physical involvement.


Remuneration


It is believed that an oil rig job are highly remunerative. Overall, you can earn 40,000 or 60,000 (or even more) USD per year without taxation. The amount of taxes to be paid depends on the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions offers have low taxes when it comes to oil rig job in order to promote these positions which are full of hardships and risks and where physical work is very demanding. In a way you are compensated for the risks that you undertake.


Oil rig job Database


There are many online databases that advertise offshore job positions within the specific industry. Be careful when choosing. Find out as much as possible about the company that you wish to work for. If it is necessary write them an inquiry email. You also can try to find some information on different forums or blogs were people discuss the issue at stake. There you can find personal experiences and feedback.


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Drilling Rig, Water Well Drilling Rig, Truck Mounted Drilling Rig, Button Bits

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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The industry claim includes off-rig people

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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Oil Rig Job, Offshore Catering Jobs, Offshore Jobs

Oil Rig JobThere is common misunderstanding about oil rig jobs: people often think that if he/she works at oil rig, it means that he/she is necessarily dealing with oil and gas extraction. This is not true, since oil rigs require large number of additional auxiliary personnel also known as offshore catering workers that render services to those, who are directly engaged in oil and gas extraction. For instance, if you are a good cook, you have very good chances to get a well-paid oil rig jobs, since people working on the oil rig need someone, who can cook for them, therefore oil extracting companies hire cooks for their personnel.


Offshore catering jobs are popular, because they pay twice as much as a worker would be earning in other industry doing the same work. Even if you do not have any experience that would be required for oil rig jobs, you still have a chance to try yourself at a entry level position that does not need much expertise.


Salaries for offshore catering jobs are indeed generous. For instance, a steward that housekeeps in living areas and also helps cooks to cook can easily start at $45,000 a year without any experience, while camp boss starts at $65,000. Cooks are demanded people on the oil rig and they usually start at $59,000 a year, although you must keep in mind that you may be cooking for 200-1000 people and you will be doing more work than usual, since few assistants will be available to you. This is considerably higher than the industry average for a head chef that is estimated to be $32,650. For a steward with no prior experience starting salary of $45,000 can be considered as a wonderful start.


The working conditions for oil rig jobs are satisfying. Usually the personnel work for 12 hours and rests for next 12 hours and they stay on the rig for 2 weeks, but after that they rest for 2 weeks. This is usually how the system works, but there are cases, when 4 or 6 week system is in place. So before you sign the contract, be aware what you employer offers you.


For many people after reading this the first thing that may come in mind is the question, where to get oil rig jobs or offshore catering jobs.


We advise you to use services of professional oil rig jobs finder site. We recommend you one of our partner sites. The company provides some of its services free of charge, such online preparation of resume/CV, tips for resume/CV and general advises for the interview.


In addition site also provides premium/paid services, such as distribution of your resume/CV to over 1200 offshore employers that frequently offer oil rig jobs. This greatly increases your chances of getting hired in the nearest future.


It is simple and quick:


Apply for oil rig jobs finder here


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Rig impact employment

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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Same calculations apply to BP payments

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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LOUISIANA MID-CONTINENT OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION's estimate

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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how many BP execs does it take to (properly) screw in a drill?

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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Reporting on the negotiations between BP and White House.

 

Marketplace radio passed along to listeners the oil industry assertion that it was spending $300 million a month on the wages of workers on offshore drilling rigs that have been idled by President Obama's moratorium on new deep water drilling. The Washington Post reports that the ban has idled 33 deep-water drilling rigs.


If the average worker on a rig earns $100,000 a year, the industry's claim about lost wages would imply that it was employing 36,000 workers, or more than 1,000 on each idled rig. This seems implausibly high, and should cause reporters to question the industry's claim rather than just report it as being true. (The industry has an incentive to exaggerate the impact of the moratorium on workers since it helps to advance its agenda of ending the moratorium.)

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The Real Reason for High Gas Prices, Redux

Mar 21, 2012 door Andy Sharpless aan andy sharpless, energie, gas prices, Golf van mexico, offshore boren, olie, politiek

Olie tuig in de Golf van Mexico. © Oceana/Soledad Esnaola


Editor's note: dit bericht door Oceana CEO Andy Sharpless werd afgelopen mei oorspronkelijk gepost op Politico.com. We denken dat het kon niet meer relevant nu, vooral gezien het feit dat vele media nu vergelijkbare argumenten om de een die we te maken sinds vorig jaar - maken hebben dat de gasprijzen zijn niet aan offshore boren gebonden.


Waarom nemen we verschrikkelijke risico's om te boren naar olie in de Golf van Mexico en elders langs onze kusten?

De meeste mensen zouden zeggen dat we boren om onszelf te beschermen tegen grote schommelingen in benzineprijzen die worden veroorzaakt door grote omwentelingen in het Midden-Oosten.


Hun argument is dat de meer olie kunnen wij produceren in het binnenland, hoe lager de prijs we betalen aan de pomp. Het is niet dat zij als het gezicht van oliebronnen aan onze stranden. De belangrijkste reden dat zij pleiten voor meer offshore olie boren is ze denken dat het geld zal besparen — vooral omdat gasprijzen $4 per gallon onlangs benaderd. (Zie: een grafiek van U.S. gas prijzen hier.)


Dit idee is alleen niet intuïtief aantrekkelijk. Het is herhaaldelijk en ondubbelzinnig bevorderd door belangrijke regeringsambtenaren van zowel de democratische als Republikeinse partijen. Sen Mary Landrieu (D -La.) verdedigde wetgeving dat zou uitbreiden offshore olie boren, zeggende "dit wetsvoorstel zou doen meer tot lagere gasprijzen aan de pomp dan elk andere plan." Ondertussen, Sarah Palin bekritiseerd Voorzitter Barack Obama, zeggende: "zijn oorlog op binnenlandse olie- en gas exploratie en productie heeft veroorzaakt ons pijn aan de pomp."


Voormalig President George W. Bush, die had ervaring in de particuliere sector olie industrie, zei dat het kon "nemen druk op benzineprijzen na verloop van tijd door het bedrag van Amerikaanse makelij olie en benzine uit te breiden." En Rep. Doc Hastings (R -Wash.), voorzitter van het huis natuurlijkehulpbronnen Comite, dringt erop aan, "gasprijzen zijn sluiten op $4 per gallon … vanwege het de facto moratorium op boringen vergunningen."


Experts, zoals Steve Doocy van Fox, eens met het argument, zeggen dat de oplossing voor stijgende gasprijzen is het "gewoon een gat in de grond porren."


Nog tijdens de afgelopen twee jaar, het bedrag van olie gepompt in de VS is al op, niet neer — zoals men zou kunnen van al deze opmerkingen afleiden. Dus is dit sterk verklaarde argument te verhogen huishoudelijke olie boren verkeerd.


De feiten te onderzoeken. De Energy Information Administration gegevens Toon de prijs aan de pomp komt nauw overeen met de internationale prijs van olie, niet het percentage olie afkomstig van invoer. (Een grafiek vergelijken de US benzineprijzen en het percentage van olie die wij importeren kan hier worden gevonden.)
Nu, kijkt naar de prijs van ongelode benzine aan de pomp in vergelijking met de internationale prijs van ruwe olie (zie: een grafiek vergelijken US benzineprijzen en internationale ruwe olieprijzen hier.)


Waarin denk je heeft een betere baan uit te leggen van de wijzigingen in de prijs van benzine aan de pomp? Uw gezond verstand lezing van de grafieken is correct. De prijs van benzine aan de pomp is statistisch niet gecorreleerd met het aandeel van de U.S. consumptie van geïmporteerde olie, maar het is sterk gecorreleerd met de internationale prijs van geïmporteerde ruwe.

Dit schijnbaar contra-intuïtief resultaat komt overeen met hoe de markten van de wereld olie eigenlijk werken. Stel jezelf de vraag: wanneer BP of een andere grote olie-bedrijf vindt olie in de Golf van Mexico, doet het verkopen ons tegen een korting omdat we waren aardig genoeg om hen boren in Amerika te laten?


Nee, dat niet het geval. Het verkoopt het over de hele wereld de prijs in de internationale oliemarkt bepaald. Als een internationale grondstoffen, olie is geprijsd op een internationale basis — volgens de globale vraag en aanbod. Mondiale vraag is de reden waarom die de prijs is omhoog nu. De economieën van de wereld bent herstellende van de malaise van de afgelopen jaren en de zich ontwikkelende economieën, zoals China, zijn toenemende hun vraag.


Ondertussen, offshore boren is gewoon te riskant voor onze stranden en visserij. Wil je bewijs? Olie bedrijf aandeelhouders aandringen op een recht hun aansprakelijkheid in het geval van een ramp te beperken.


Ik denk niet dat deze risico's zijn de moeite waard. U misschien niet eens. Maar als u weet, nog: iedereen die je moeten we offshore olie boren vertelt te verlagen onze prijs aan de pomp niet de zorg over de feiten.


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What BP Owes Americans

Posted Wed, Mar 7, 2012 by jsavitz to bp, gulf of mexico oil spill, oil spills, what bp owes americans


This blog was originally posted on the Huffington Post.


There has been a lot of news lately about whether BP will settle all of the legal claims against it stemming from the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe two years ago, or whether the company will end up in court. As is typical of most things surrounding the oil spill issue, much of the information that has come out in recent weeks has done little more than muddy the waters.


First of all, despite a settlement announced late last Friday, most of the legal claims against BP have not been settled. The recent $7.8 billion settlement only represents the private injury claims brought by local residents, fishermen, tourism companies, and the like whose businesses and livelihoods were devastated by the oil spill. That's important, but it's not even close to half of the story. The remaining claims -- what BP owes the American people -- could amount to many times that amount.


BP has yet to settle with the Federal Government, which represents "we the people," and it hasn't settled with the affected states. The Feds have already brought one suit seeking civil penalties and natural resource damages from BP, and could bring more in the future. Estimates of the total amount that BP owes us just for those federal claims have varied from $20 to $60 billion.


These numbers might seem large, but the truth is they don't come close to the total amount that BP could -- and should -- be required to pay. Our nation's environmental laws allow the Justice Department to seek damages and penalties against BP that could be as high as $90 billion. But recent discussions in the press of a possible future settlement between BP and the Federal Government have focused on much lower amounts in the $20-25 billion range. Compared to what BP could be asked to pay -- and what we have the right to demand -- that's not a deal the American people should be happy about.


To help add some clarity to these numbers, here are a few of the key components that will be decided either through a trial, or by an agreement between BP and the Justice Department:


Clean Water Act Violations -- Under the Clean Water Act, the government can fine the company anywhere from $1,100 to $4,300 per barrel of oil spilled. The high end amount is reserved for cases of "gross negligence" or "willful misconduct" -- something that was a clear part of the disaster if you consider the findings of the President's Commission on the Oil Spill and the other investigative reports, and something that the Justice Department has already alleged in its ongoing case against BP. In the wake of the America's largest environmental disaster, resulting from a long series of operator errors, the government should have no qualms about pursuing the maximum possible fine. If it is used in this case, BP is on the hook for more than $17 billion in fines.


Other Civil Fines -- There are many laws under which civil fines can be assessed against BP. These include fines for safety and operational violations under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act, and fines for harming important animal species under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, among others. These civil penalties may each amount to a small multimillion dollar fine to the company. While these fines are relatively small, they are symbolically important, emphasizing BP's responsibility for the carelessness that led to loss of human lives in the initial explosion and losses to the natural environment in the months that followed.


Criminal Penalties -- All of the laws discussed above, as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, also provide for criminal penalties in situations of particularly egregious conduct. Again, these fines are fairly small -- just a few million dollars -- but there's a legal route that allows the punishment to fit the crime. The Alternative Fines Act allows the criminal fines against BP to be dramatically increased, up to double the amount BP gained -- or, more importantly, the amount that others lost -- as a result of its actions. That's double the losses to the fishery industry, and double the losses to tourism and the economy. Some estimates put that figure alone in the $20 to $40 billion range.


Natural Resource Damages -- Under the Oil Pollution Act, BP is required to pay us back the amount necessary to restore the natural resources -- our resources -- that it destroyed. While the studies that are underway to assess these costs are top secret, one way to estimate the magnitude of the costs is to compare the Deepwater Horizon disaster with previous spills like the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.


Doing so and adjusting for inflation suggests that these damages could be in the $30 billion range. It's important to remember that even the most thorough studies won't uncover all of the environmental havoc wreaked by the BP spill soon, or possibly ever -- so even if the government demands the maximum amount supported by the studies we have, it's already going to be an underestimate of the true costs to the Gulf environment and our natural heritage. That's why it's doubly important that the Federal Government doesn't compromise on this part of the case against BP.


Adding up the high-end figures in these three categories suggests that BP may still be on the hook for as much as $90 billion depending on the amount of natural resource damages and other losses that can be demonstrated. Our Justice Department must make sure that the public is fully compensated and that other companies are put on notice of the substantial fines they will face if they spill oil in our waters. Given the extreme carelessness of BP and the vast scope of the resulting damage done, a low-end settlement would send the wrong message to BP and the other companies that are drilling in our oceans, telling them that they may not have to pay for future damages they cause.


The reasons why BP is pushing so hard for a settlement could not be more clear. Besides the high price a lawsuit could exact on the company's checkbooks, airing the mistakes, mishaps and bad management that would likely come out in the trial can't be good for stock prices. But the Federal Government should settle for no less than what the law allows. No amount of money will ever truly fix the mess that BP made, and Americans deserve to be fully compensated.


Jackie Savitz is Senior Director of Pollution Campaigns and Senior Scientist at Oceana.


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Oil Spill: Why the BP Settlement Is Just the Beginning of the End

 Stocktrek Image

Lawyers representing the oil giant BP on one side, and more than 100,000 Gulf Coast residents on the other, were set to show up at the court of U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier on Monday morning. There they would have begun contesting one of the biggest class-action lawsuits in American history, fighting over the responsibility BP still had towards the individuals and businesses affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Preparations for the trial produced an astounding 72 million pages of documents and included the depositions of more than 300 witnesses. As lawsuits go, this was going to the Super Bowl wrapped up in the World Series—only with much, much more money at stake.


But now it might never happen. That’s the upshot of news that broke late Friday evening: BP and the lawyers representing Gulf Coast individuals and businesses affected by the spill reached a $7.8 billion settlement that should eliminate the threat of litigation. The money will be paid out of the $20 billion compensation fund—run for the past year and a half by the lawyer Kenneth Feinberg—and it should resolve most private claims of economic loss, property damage and injury from the spill. “This settlement will provide a full measure of compensation to hundreds of thousands,” Stephen J. Herman and James P. Roy, the plaintiffs’ co-liaison counsel, said in a statement. “It does the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people.”


But while the settlement might head off some of the massive litigation BP is still facing over the oil spill, the company’s legal woes are likely far from over.


MORE: Understanding the Psychic Toll of the Spill


That’s because Gulf Coast residents will still need to decide whether the settlement is right for them. Many individuals have been waiting nearly two years to get their claims settled by the Feinberg fund, which was set up in the months following the oil spill. Feinberg—a lawyer who had run a similar compensation fund for the government after the 9/11 attacks—had broad latitude to decide on settlements for anyone impacted by the spill: fishermen who lost a season, hotel owners along the Gulf Coast, waitresses in restaurants that went under during the spill. The fund—which has doled out about $6 billion so far to more than 200,000 businesses and individuals—had the benefit of avoiding litigation and lawyer’s fees, but many Gulf Coast residents were unhappy with the amount of money they were eligible to receive, as well as the fact that they had to forswear any further lawsuits against BP if they participated in the fund. The sheer number of people the fund had to serve also meant that many residents are still waiting for their checks.


Under the terms of the settlement, plaintiffs who haven’t received compensation yet can take money from the settlement or opt out and apply to a BP-run entity. And if neither option appeals, they can still sue—which means we may not have seen the end of litigation over the oil spill.


And that’s just private individuals. BP is still facing suits from the federal government and from affected states, and it’s not clear how Friday’s settlement will impact those ongoing cases. The $20 billion Feinberg had been given to hand out as compensation was also meant to cover environmental damages and the costs to state and local governments—and it’s not clear if those damages have yet been recovered.


MORE: Chevron’s Never-Ending, Record-Breaking Lawsuit


In a statement, the U.S. Justice Department said:



The United States will continue to work closely with all five Gulf states to ensure that any resolution of the federal law enforcement and damage claims, including natural resources damages, arising out of this unprecedented environmental disaster is just, fair and restores the Gulf for the benefit of the people of the Gulf states.


The remaining government claims could add billions more to BP’s bill, depending on how fines under the Clean Water Act and other environmental rules are calculated. (BP has said that it has already spent more than $22 billion on the spill.) A settlement might be possible there, but the Justice Department has said there is a strong case to be made for BP’s liability for the accident aboard the Deepwater Horizon that led to the blowout and oil spill. “We are prepared to go to trial, we were ready to go to trial yesterday,” Holder said during Congressional testimony on Feb. 28.


BP is also embroiled in ongoing litigation with its Deepwater Horizon partners Transocean—which actually ran the rig—and Halliburton, which was involved in a faulty cementing job that likely helped lead to the blowout. So the legal saga here is far from over, which is good news for the lawyers—and the journalists as well, as any lawsuits that actually go to court could bring new evidence to light over the events on the Deepwater Horizon and in the months that followed.


But ordinary Gulf Coast residents might be wise to get out of the litigation game as soon as possible. Studies done on the victims of the Exxon Valdez spill—many of whom were involved in lawsuits against the company that ran for years—found that being involved in ongoing litigation was a major source of stress and mental anguish. Lawsuits keep traumatic events fresh in the minds of plaintiffs, forcing them to relive some of the darkest days of their lives—all while absorbing legal body blows from a company that has endless amounts of money to spend on lawyers, as I wrote in 2010:



Like southern Louisiana, Alaskan towns were full of fishermen whose way of life was threatened. Residents saw coastal waters fouled by millions of barrels of oil, and they raged against an incompetent response from government and industry. Previously close-knit communities were divided — those who took well-paying cleanup jobs with Exxon were decried as “spillionaires” profiting from the catastrophe. And the wounds did not heal with time: a recent study found that stress levels among Alaskans involved in the oil-spill litigation were as high in 2009 as they were in 1991. “There are still significant levels of depression and posttraumatic stress,” says J. Steven Picou, a sociologist at the University of South Alabama. “It was a constantly renewing disaster.”


The faster Gulf Coast residents can move on with their lives, the better—and if the settlement can help speed that process along, it’s a win. I’m reminded of something I heard Feinberg tell a group of angry fishermen at the Louisiana village of Port Sulphur just a few months into the spill. “The people of Louisiana are pretty resilient,” he said. “Get a check, and move on as best as you can.” It may not seem fair—but it’s still good advice.


MORE: How a San Francisco Spill Took a Toll on Fish


Bryan Walsh is a senior writer at TIME. Find him on Twitter at @bryanrwalsh. You can also continue the discussion on TIME’s Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.


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Ohio: Gas-drilling Injection Well Led to Quakes

 AP / Amy Sancetta, File A brine injection well owned by Northstar Disposal Services LLC in Youngstown, Ohio.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — A dozen earthquakes in northeastern Ohio were almost certainly induced by injection of gas-drilling wastewater into the earth, state regulators said Friday as they announced a series of tough new rules for drillers.


Among the new regulations: Well operators must submit more comprehensive geological data when requesting a drill site, and the chemical makeup of all drilling wastewater must be tracked electronically.


MORE: It’s Not the Fracking That Might Be the Problem. It’s Everything Else


The state Department of Natural Resources announced the tough new brine injection regulations because of the report’s findings on the well in Youngstown, which it said were based on “a number of coincidental circumstances.”


For one, investigators said, the well began operations just three months ahead of the first quake.


They also noted that the seismic activity was clustered around the well bore, and reported that a fault has since been identified in the Precambrian basement rock where water was being injected.


VIDEO: The Fuss Over Fracking: The Dilemma of a New Gas Boom


“Geologists believe it is very difficult for all conditions to be met to induce seismic events,” the report states. “In fact, all the evidence indicates that properly located … injection wells will not cause earthquakes.”


Northeastern Ohio and large parts of adjacent states sit atop the Utica and Marcellus Shale geological formations, which contain vast reserves of natural gas that energy companies are rushing to drill using a process known as hydraulic fracturing.


That process involves freeing the gas by injecting huge amounts of chemical-laced water, termed brine, into the earth, but that water needs to be disposed of when companies are done with it. Municipal water treatment plants aren’t designed to remove some of the contaminants found in the wastewater, including radioactive elements. Deep injection is considered one of the safest methods for disposing of the wastewater.


Past earthquakes have been linked to energy exploration and production, including from injections of enormous amounts of drilling wastewater or injections of water for geothermal power, experts said.


They point to recent earthquakes in the magnitude 3 and 4 range — not big enough to cause much damage, but big enough to be felt — in Arkansas, Texas, California, England, Germany and Switzerland. And in the 1960s, two Denver quakes in the 5.0 range were traced to deep injection of wastewater.


The improper placement of the Youngstown well stemmed in part from inadequate geological data being available to regulators, the Ohio report states. New rules would require a complete roll of geophysical logs to be submitted to the state.


MORE: Sizing Up the Quakes That Come from Hydraulic Fracturing


“These logs were not available to inform regulators of the possible issues in geologic formations prior to well operation,” the document says.


Requiring well operators to submit more comprehensive geologic data is just one of the added regulations the department will either impose immediately or pursue through legislative or rule changes.


Among other changes:


— Future injection into Precambrian rock will be banned, and existing wells penetrating the formation will be plugged.


— State-of-the-art pressure and volume monitoring will be required, including automatic shut-off systems.


— Electronic tracking systems will be required that identify the makeup of all drilling wastewater fluids entering the state.


As the technology is developed and installed, the new regulations could have an immediate impact on neighboring Pennsylvania, which is among states that ship their wastewater to Ohio for disposal. Pennsylvania, the top gas-producing state in the region, doesn’t practice deep injection of wastewater because its geology precludes it.


MORE: Could Shale Gas Power the World?


“Ohio has developed a new set of regulatory standards that positions the state as a national leader in safe and environmentally responsible brine disposal,” Natural Resources Director James Zehringer said in a prepared statement.


“Ohioans demand smart environmental safeguards that protect our environment and promote public health. These new standards accomplish that goal,” he said.


Carlo LoParo, a spokesman for the natural resources department, said ramping up the electronic monitoring of incoming wastewater could take some time. The technology, similar to an electronic pass used on a toll road, is not yet widely available, he said.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave Ohio regulatory authority over its deep well injection program in 1983, deeming that its state regulations met or exceeded federal standards. The new regulations would be added to those existing rules.


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